When your dog receives a bite puncture wound, stop bleeding and seek veterinary care, as antibiotics and other medication to prevent serious conditions may be required. Your veterinarian will provide initial cleaning, prescribe appropriate medications and may suture the puncture wound, leave it open, or suture a drain in place to allow for discharge to drain. Your veterinarian will instruct you on cleaning frequency, usually 2-3 times daily.
If sutured, clean the area around the wound with cotton balls soaked in an antiseptic solution recommended by your veterinarian, or with water and mild soap. Avoid interfering directly with the wound. Wipe away from the stitched wound.
If the wound has been left open to drain, or if a drain has been placed and sutured in place, you will need to clean away discharge that drains regularly. You can carefully wipe the area around the drain with a cotton ball or a piece of gauze soaked with saline solution, warm water, or antiseptic cleaner provided by the veterinarian.
Pat the wound and surrounding tissue dry with a sterile cloth or piece of gauze.
Apply dressings if required. Monitor discharge from wound, the tissue surrounding the wound and the wound itself for signs of infection, including, redness, swelling, heat and pain. Seek veterinary attention if signs of infection occur.